Audirvana: The Ultimate High-Resolution Music Player
If you are using a DAC as your audio source and you’re looking for the highest quality of music playback, Audirvana definitely beats Roon or other audio players. However, each has a different user interface and different features so you need to actually try this player and the others to determine what works best for you. Is sound quality the most important thing you desire or are other items more important? Once you determine that, choosing a good music player for your needs is much easier. However, you do need to actually use the software first and the 15 day free trial that Audirvana offers is how you should compare various options. As far as music players are concerned, I find that Audrivana has the best sound quality of all of the possibilities.
However, a network hard drive (NAS) loaded with ripped or downloaded high resolution files will beat any of these players if you use a DAC (like one of the Bricasti models) to stream music with its internal network card. This form of playback is the best (through a Bricasti DAC for example – the M3, M12, M22, etc.) but audio is so subjective that each person needs to actually listen to these components and try various software solutions to determine which is the best combination. Money not a problem? Bricasti with their internal network card playing audio files using inexpensive RJ45 cables connected to the DAC or “ripped” or downloaded high resolution files coming from a network hard drive creates the absolute best sound quality you can obtain from a digital platform.
But how good is your entire audio system? Is it bright or is it mellow or possibly neutral and in between? Your room, your personal preferences, your user interface, and more all contribute to selecting the best solution FOR YOU. Are you a tube person or solid state? There are so many questions and its difficult to answer what will work FOR YOU.
By spending enough, you can achieve an analog sound quality that can actually beat a turntable based system. That cost typically amounts to $6,000 and above for just the DAC and also require other components to complete a specific system. Below that price point, stream your music with your chosen DAC and computer or streamer and use one of these music players (Audirvana, Roon, etc) to stream Tidal, Qobuz or equivalent online sources or maybe even a hard drive connected to a computer using USB. It’s all a matter of cost, preferences, and your idea of how good music reproduction should be. Your room and room treatments are a key part of this equation along with your personal preferences for listening. Everyone is different and no one is right. All that you can do is to read between the lines and then make your own purchase decisions while considering all of these factors.
What Is Audirvana?
Audirvana is a digital audio player that has taken the world by storm and is really really good. It is a software player that is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. The software has been designed to provide the best possible sound quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Audirvana has been praised for its advanced library management, DSD/DXD, and multichannel audio playback features. It is also known for its ability to integrate with other sources such as Tidal and Qobuz players. Audirvana Studio, the latest version of the software, is now subscription-based, and it comes with a range of new features that make it even more appealing to music lovers.
Overall, Audirvana is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality digital audio player. It is easy to use, and it provides exceptional sound quality. Whether you are a professional musician or a casual listener, Audirvana is a great choice for all your audio needs.
Features
Audirvana is a high-performance music player that offers a variety of features to enhance your listening experience. Here are some of the key features:
- Origin Player: Audirvana’s original version is dedicated to managing and playing your local music library without streaming service or radio. It offers a subscription-free digital audio player that delivers pristine sound quality.
- Studio Player: Audirvana’s latest version, Studio, provides full access to all of its features. It includes integrated streaming content services, such as Qobuz, Tidal, and HRA, and offers a free smartphone remote app. Studio also features regular free updates throughout the year.
- Exclusive Core Player: Audirvana’s exclusive core player offers direct and exclusive access to the audio device (DAC) and bypasses the audio mixer to avoid unwanted format alterations.
- Customizable Audio Filters: Audirvana allows you to customize audio filters to suit your preferences. You can choose from a variety of options, such as upsampling, oversampling, and digital filters.
- Optimized Audio Playback: Audirvana optimizes audio playback for your system, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality. It also supports a variety of audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and DSD.
Overall, Audirvana offers a powerful and customizable music player that delivers high-quality sound and a variety of features to enhance your listening experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or just looking for a better way to enjoy your music, Audirvana is definitely worth checking out.
Compatibility
Audirvana is compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. It supports all audio formats, making it an ideal solution to manage and organize your local music library. In addition, it can synchronize with multiple sources, including streaming platforms and external hard drives.
If you’re looking to use Audirvana with Auralic streaming devices, you’ll be pleased to know that compatibility is possible. However, some users have reported issues with connecting to Auralic devices from the latest Audirvana applications. It’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of your devices before making a purchase, to avoid any potential issues.
Since 2017, Audirvana has allowed users to listen to music through DLNA. This allows communication between the Audirvana software and a DLNA receiver. However, some DLNA receivers may not be compatible with Audirvana. To ensure compatibility, it’s important to check the compatibility list provided by Audirvana or contact their support team for assistance.
Overall, Audirvana is a versatile music player that is compatible with a wide range of devices and audio formats. While there may be some compatibility issues with certain devices or receivers, Audirvana provides support resources to help users troubleshoot and resolve any issues they may encounter.
Pricing
Audirvana offers two pricing options for its users: a monthly or yearly subscription for Audirvana Studio and a one-time payment for Audirvana Origin.
Subscribing to Audirvana Studio is a great option for those who want to enjoy the latest features and updates. The monthly subscription costs $12.99 per month, while the yearly subscription costs $9.99 per month. For those who don’t want to commit to a yearly subscription, Audirvana also offers a monthly subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
| Subscription Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 |
| Yearly | $9.99 per month |
On the other hand, Audirvana Origin offers a one-time payment for a lifetime license. The price for Audirvana Origin is $119.90. This option is great for those who want to have a permanent license and don’t want to worry about recurring payments.
It’s important to note that Audirvana still supports all lifetime licenses for Audirvana 3.5. Additionally, Audirvana Studio’s subscription pricing is a change from its previous pricing model, which offered a one-time payment for a lifetime license. However, Audirvana Studio’s subscription model allows users to enjoy the latest features and updates without having to pay for a new version every time one is released.
If you’re unsure which pricing option is best for you, Audirvana offers a 30-day free trial for Audirvana Studio. This allows users to test out the software and its features before committing to a subscription or a lifetime license.